Loading limitations include which of the following, specifically addressing the mass and balance aspects?

• A. All limiting mass
• B. All limiting mass, centres of gravity position, mass distributions and floor loading
• C. The maximum takeoff weight only
• D. The floor loading only

Answer: (B)

Loading limitations cover not only how heavy the aircraft can be but also where that weight sits and how it’s distributed. The total mass is limited by the maximum permissible weight, but the airplane’s balance depends on the center of gravity (CG) position, which is tied to how mass is distributed across the aircraft. Mass distributions describe how weight is spread among different areas or stations, affecting moment and balance. Floor loading adds another constraint—the floor structure has a finite load it can safely carry per area, so placing heavy items or concentrated weights can overstress the floor even if the overall weight is within limits. Because all of these factors together define safe balance, structure, and performance, the full set of loading limitations includes all limiting mass, centres of gravity position, mass distributions and floor loading.